This is for guest bloggers and those who comment.
A number of examples of offensive remarks have been drawn to my attention – sometimes I notice them myself. I’ve changed the system so that people can put their comments up without my vetting them first, which means I’m depending on people to engage in civilized discourse. I don’t ask for blandness, I think a full-blooded insult can even be quite witty if delivered in the course of an argument; but I really really don’t want charges of hatred, sectarianism, etc – except that can be supported by examples.
I’m mentioning this because running this blogsite is occupying TOO MUCH of my time as things stand. If people keep putting up offensive things it may well get to the point where I’ve no option but to remove the possibility of comment for anyone. That would be a pity; but I might be driven to it. Please help ensure I don’t.
Much thanks
Jude
like this type of thing?
http://www.judecollins.com/2016/12/hating-ones-neighbours-donal-kennedy/
Very good , joe.It hasn’t put a nail in your sole though. You’re still standing and getting on with it anyway ….glad to come back again and again, which is only right between consenting adults (!).
I have to say that I agree with Jude in that it is not enough to insult unless it’s done with a modicum of wit and humour and with a point being clearly made.We’ve all had enough violence of one sort or another in our lives without even more online and it helps to tighten up the debate too.There’s a line between pointing out the absurd and laughing at it and trying to bully someone whose opinions you might not agree with.
paddy
Pardon me for butting in (ye daft fucking bee-botherer) but the problem is consistency.
If Donal can refer to Joe and others as lacking charm wit or civility, what is to stop Joe responding in kind?
If Joe can label a parishioner who does not debate here as having mental health problems then presumably I can do so too?
It quickly degenerates and makes the debate sterile.
The old line ‘sure it was only a joke’ is beloved of schoolyard bullies everywhere.
Just for clarification, is ‘snowflake’ and insult? Lol
I’ve been debating “Irish Aborigine” internally. If someone self-identifies as an Irish Aborigine, can you safely refer to them as an “Aborigine”? Or is it like the “N” word or the “F” word?
Do you mean “nigger” and “fuck” , Joe? I think we are allowed to use all and every words of the language, just so long as it is in context and not as an excuse for not using the “c” word…as in “comma”. .It’s a discretionary thing, though and much depends on the situation and the timing….Like when you hit your thumb with a hammer….of course you might scream “Oh dear ! ” very loudly instead of “Oh fucking, hell!” …..your choice entirely.
Anyone who uses the term ‘Irish aborigine’ is probably beyond help, it’s a ludicrous notion that fails after just a few rounds of questioning.
First question; “define ‘Irish aborigine’ “, Second Question; “define ‘Scottish aborigine’ ” and then witness the downward spiral.
It’s quite easy to cross the line from robust discussion to demeaning insult .
After all the topics in this blog , for the most part, have tremendous importance to those who read and comment.
But Senor Jude is correct in requiring a modicum of civility.
It is sometimes better to let your reply sit for a bit before you post it. A cooling off period so to speak. Not
that I always adhere to my own advice.
But that will be one of my New Years resolutions.